3 years!

It's wild to think that Scott and I have been married for three years--although it doesn't sound like a long time, we sure have packed a lot in to our marriage thus far. Graduate school, new job/promotion, lots of trips, sold condo, graduate school again, more and more vacations, fun times with nephews, football, debt snowball, and the list goes on!

To slow down and reflect, we went on our annual anniversary trip. This year we went to Hot Springs, Arkansas--and had quite the adventure, both relaxing and exciting. We stayed in a bed and breakfast (which was actually a motel since the main house was being renovated....that I will NEVER live down!) and had a day of fun and a day of pampering. Because it was Halloween, we went to Magic Springs theme park to join in their Magic SCREAMS celebration (for a lack of better words). Scott and I enjoy theme parks--especially when there are NO lines and can ride on the front of any roller coaster, multiple times. Nice! I think the highlight was the haunted house--we were in the very front of the line, literally. If you know me, you know I am not a fan of the dark or of things jumping out at me. That darn chainsaw man gets me everytime! I split out of that "Murder Mansion" like a "scalded dog" according to Scott. The funniest part was that the exit, which I flew through screaming like a maniac, led right to the line of people waiting to enter. The next day we went to the historic Bathhouse Row to partake in a bathing treatment. WOW--what an experience! All I can say is that when in Rome...I promised Scott I would not elaborate on our treatments, but I do strongly encourage you to get the full bath treatment (including a massage!) if/when you are in Hot Springs. It was fabulous! Our weekend together was another special one, and a great way to start off year 4. Here's to many more, baby!

Where I THOUGHT we were staying:

Where we stayed:

The INSIDE of the main house, where we were served breakfast (notice that we are in a construction zone!):

The Buckstaff Bathhouse, where we went for our treatments. This picture does not do justice to the building. The interior shots are from another bathhouse, because thankfully, we were not allowed to photograph the inside of the Buckstaff!



Al Capone's car--in the lobby of The Arlington:

Magic Springs




Magic SCREAMS:

It's the BOO BALL Y'all

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! On the eve of the eve of Halloween, LMS had their 1st annual BOO BALL sponsored by the Student Council. It was so much fun!!! Last year we had a Valentine's dance and after several heartaches and breakups, we opted for a less lovey-dovey dance and planned a silly and crazy party. The kids loved it and so did the staff that came. (I don't think Scott would ever use the word "love" to describe his level of enjoyment or entertainment...but he humored me.) We danced and danced--and surprisingly NONE of the students knew the Electric Slide! I learned that in Jr. High--thanks to Coach Fran Howell. She would be so sad to know that students do not know the good line dances!

Beth Burt, Bonnie Owen, me, Ann Thomas

Beth Burt, me, Melissa Johnson, Valerie Baggett, Ann Thomas

Penny Allen, me, Beth Burt

Beth and Corey Burt--one of our on-staff couples--waltzing to Big Green Tractor

Friends at work and play

I had to put this picture on my blog so that I could show you some of my favorite people--the ladies that I work with at LMS! We have a great staff and I find that I pinch myself daily. I am so fortunate to be able to work here in Oxford, with students and staff that are laid-back and fun. Yes, it's middle school so there are days/weeks/months where I'm worn out with the drama, but overall it's awesome. I do thank God for my blessings and truly do feel blessed to FINALLY have a job that I love!

This is a snapshot from when a small group of teachers went on a field trip to a neighboring county to shadow some of their teachers and administrators. We had a great time and enjoyed adult conversation for awhile.

On a beautiful Sunday afternoon we took our beloved pets to First Presbyterian Church for a service to the Blessing of the Pets. We really enjoyed the time and so did our furry friends! Some church members (who shall remain nameless) brought some seriously Alpha dogs, so that was an adventure! Mo really didn't know what to think and stayed in my arms for most of the ceremony. Maggie, on the other hand, was very laid back and quite possibly bored. Sipsey...well, Sipsey was typical Sipsey...loud at first, and then she realized she was NOT in charge and quickly calmed down. I took some pictures of our friends, the Ashmores, who brought their dog and their dwarf gerbils (I think that's what they are!). Hayes loved seeing all the animals, but he thought it was his turn to be blessed, too, so he charged up to our pastor, Rev. John Semmes, who is wonderful and who did bless the baby in the midst of the dogs and gerbils and cat. Mo has now been blessed by 2 ministers, which explains his halo!

Last of the Birthday celebration: GAME DAY

With friends and family in town we went to the Grove to continue the celebration (or recover from the previous night's celebration). As the Sloans are all Bama fans, we had been eagerly anticipating the Tide's return to Ole Miss. Once again, Scott shined as the perfect husband and managed to get our group tickets in the Alabama section! And better yet, he GAVE me his ticket (we only have 1 ticket for the both of us) so that I could watch the game in person with Ms. Vic and Adrienne and Cindi and they boys. This is the first time in YEARS that he has missed an Ole Miss game and it might be the last game his misses in years because he told me he watched it in the M-Club room (the Ole Miss Athletic Alumni) which apparently serves as a "babysitting room." What a great day--and a great weekend! Thanks y'all!!







Patrick Willis wished me a HAPPY BIRTHDAY from the Jumbotron. Just kidding--he was firing the crowd up with a shout out of "ARE YOU READY?!"

#27 for Alabama is Justin Woodall. He is from Oxford and graduated from Lafayette High School, so I had to get some shots of him. He had an interception but my camera wasn't fast enough to catch that, so the best I got was a tackle.

What a fantastic Fall day--my favorite season of all!

More birthday!

It's been awhile since I've gone out-out in Oxford. I usually avoid it--especially on a home football weekend--but in honor of my birthday we hit the Square. I had to squeeze in to City Grocery while Scott and another group of our friends went to another bar. We all had a great time and then met for our taxi. Scott knew we'd be in desperate need of a ride so he prearranged for a van to pick us up--and this was no ordinary van. He had Mr. T himself pick us up in the A-Team van!!! What a ride!

Birthday continued

So we got back from a fantastic weekend in Lexington and I thought we had celebrated until we could celebrate no more....but boy was I wrong. (I'm reminded of when I was little and my parents asked me what I wanted for my birthday and I replied, "Wasn't my party enough?"...or something to that extent. I'm sure it was sweeter and even more precious that when it is repeated by said angel.)

Scott had something up his sleeve, but I was clueless! On Wednesday before the big reveal, I told Sarah that my birthday weekend had been perfect--who needed a party?! I had enjoyed myself and besides, who would Scott invite to my party on such a crazy weekend?

And then there was Friday night....a P-A-R-T-Y!!! Let me just say, I was shocked for the entire evening! What a celebration! There were friends from out of town--all the way from New York City to New Orleans and in between! There were family members and stand-in family members! There was a BAND and a crazy banner from me on stage with a band! There was an awesome cake that I swore was done by the Cake Boss! There were presents and booze (brewed by Scott and Darren)! And guess what else was there?!? MY 2 BOSSES! hahaha We had a BLAST! I laughed so hard and was so honored to have some many of my favorite people together again! (Later, people apologized for not being able to come, but I told them the best thing about a surprise party is I do not even know who was invited so I didn't know to look for them).

Thank you friends and family and especially sweet Scott. He knows I love surprises and he got me on this one! Turning 30 ain't so bad afterall.

Below are random pics from the party. Enjoy!


The Hopewell Gang--Jason and Melissa moved back from Iowa just in time for my party! Davis and Julie were in on the surprise and were the only people I knew would be in town staying with us. We were to be meeting up with Darren and Allyson after visiting my parents...little did I know!

My dad and I singing....we were terrible! So bad that the band muted our microphone!

Nice! Notice the banner above me. I have the same "YOU BETTER SING ROLL TIDE ROLL AS LOUD AS YOU CAN OR ELSE" expression....and of course, my foam finger.

My fabulous friends, Janice and Elizabeth

Look at that AWESOME cake! It's Denny Chimes from UA...way to go Scott!


Several of the ALABAMA fans (and future fans)

Momma and Daddy--THANK Y'ALL!

Pam and Susan--my UMBO buddies

Sweet Nancy and me (where's Linda--I thought we had Linda with us!)

OHS friends--and spouses that we let in the picture

There's Linda! The best neighbor ever!

My sweet Scott--LOVE YOU!

3-0!!

Cindi, Chick, Scott and me

Jeffrey--It's been a great 13 years!

Lots of drinking and dancing!